Cyclopentyl ethers and their preparation and pharmaceutical formulation

ABSTRACT

Compounds are described of formula (I) ##STR1## in which n is 1 or 2; 
     m is 2-5 and X is --CH═CH-- or --CH 2  --CH 2  --; or m is 1-4 and X is --CH═C═CH--; 
     R 1  is --H, alkyl, phenalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl or naphthyl; 
     Y substituted or unsubstituted 3-phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl. 
     These compounds inhibit gastric acid secretion and provide gastrointestinal cytoprotection, and may be formulated for use in the treatment of ulcers.

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 854,892, filed Apr. 23, 1986, abandoned, which was a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 848,450, filed Apr. 4, 1986, abandoned, which was a continuation of Ser. No. 726,332, filed Apr. 23, 1985, abandoned.

Prostaglandin E₂ is a naturally occurring substance which has many physiological actions. For example, it inhibits gastric acid secretion and provides gastrointestinal cytoprotection, lowers blood pressure, stimulates and relaxes smooth muscle, inhibits platelet aggregation and inhibits lipolysis.

Synthetic PGE₂ analogues offer the possibility of different potency, longer duration of activity and increased selectivity of action and are therefore of considerable interest.

Many different PGE₂ analogues have been suggested in the past for use in medicine but in only one instance have 13-oxa compounds been proposed in this respect. Thus, British Patent Specification No. 2082176A describes a group of compounds which includes 2-(heptyloxy)-3-hydroxy-5-oxo-cyclopentaneheptanoic acid and a 15-hydroxy derivative thereof. These compounds are stated to inhibit blood platelet aggregation and have bronchodilatory activity, and are proposed for use as antithrombotic or antiasthmatic agents.

We have now found a new group of cyclopentyl ethers that have PGE₂ -type activity. Compounds in this class have in particular shown high potency and extended duration of action as regards the inhibition of gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal cytoprotection and are therefore of interest in the treatment of ulcers. Certain compounds of the class have a particularly useful profile of biological action.

The invention thus provides compounds of the general formula (1) ##STR2## wherein

n is 1 or 2;

m is 2-5 and X is cis or trans --CH═CH-- or --CH₂ --CH₂ --; or m is 1-4 and X is --CH═C═CH--;

R¹ is a hydrogen atom or [a] C₁₋₆ alkyl, [b] C₇₋₁₀ aralkyl [c] phenyl[optionally substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkanoyl, methylthio, methylsulphinyl, methylsulphonyl, halogen (e.g. chlorine or bromine), --CO₂ R² [where R² is a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₄ alkyl or phenyl], --NHCOR² [where R² is as defined above or is a phenyl group optionally substituted by hydroxyl, CH₃ CONH-- or ##STR3## --CONR³ R⁴ [where R³ and R⁴ may be the same or different and are each a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₄ alkyl group], --NHCONH₂, --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃, or ##STR4## or [d] 2-naphthyl; Y is ##STR5## where R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ is each a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and at least one is a hydrogen atom; and

Ar is a phenyl group (optionally substituted by one or two C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylsulphinyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulphonyl, haogen or trifluoromethyl groups); and the physiologically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

The structural formula herein are to be understood to include the enantiomers of each of the compounds concerned as well as mixtures of the enantiomers including racemates.

In general, the compounds of formula (1) in which the carbon atom carrying the group --(CH₂)_(n) X(CH₂)_(m) CO₂ R¹ and/or the carbon atom in the group Y carrying the --OH group (particularly the former) are in the R-configuration and mixtures containing such isomers are preferred.

The alkyl groups referred to above in the definition of the compounds of formula (1) may be straight or branched.

Compounds of formula (1) in which R¹ is a hydrogen atom can form salts with bases. Examples of such salts are alkali metal (e.g. sodium), alkaline earth metal (e.g. calcium) and amine (e.g. piperazine) salts. When R¹ in the compounds of formula (1) is phenyl substituted by a group --CO₂ H such compounds are also capable of salt formation with bases. Examples of suitable salts of this type are alkali metal (e.g. sodium and potassium) salts.

In compounds where X is --CH═CH-- or --CH₂ CH₂ --, m is preferably 3 when n is 1, and m is preferably 2 or 4 when n is 2. When X is --CH═C═CH--, m is preferably 2 and n is 1, and is 1 or 3 when n is 2.

When X is --CH═CH-- it is preferably cis --CH═CH--.

Examples of suitable R¹ groups of types [a] and [b] are C₁₋₃ alkyl, benzyl and phenethyl. In one preference, R¹ is C₁₋₃ alkyl (e.g. methyl or isopropyl) or a hydrogen atom, particularly methyl.

When R¹ is a substituted phenyl group it may be, for example, phenyl substituted in the meta, ortho or, in particular, para positions by a chlorine or bromine atom or a methyl, ethyl propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, acetyl, propionyl, methylthio, methylsulphinyl, methylsulphonyl, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ CH₃, --CO₂ CH₂ CH₃, ##STR6## --NHCHO, --NHCOCH₃, benzoylamino, (acetylamino)benzoylamino, (hydroxy)benzoylamino, --CONH₂, --CONHCH₃ --CON(CH₃)₂, --CONHCH₂ CH₃, --CON(CH₂ CH₃)₂, --NHCONH₂, --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃ or ##STR7## group.

Particularly useful substituents which may be present on a substituted phenyl group R¹ include C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkanoyl, methylthio, methylsulphonyl, --CO₂ R², --NHCOR², --CONR³ R⁴ [where R², R³ and R⁴ are as defined for formula (I)], --NHCONH₂ or --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃ groups. Especially useful substituents of this type include methoxy, acetyl, methylthio, methylsulphonyl, --CO₂ CH₃, --NHCOCH₃, benzoylamino, (p-acetylamino)benzoylamino, (p-hydroxy)benzoylamino, --CONH₂, --CON(CH₃)₂, --NHCONH₂ or --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃.

In general, the group R¹ is preferably a substituted phenyl group where the substituent may be in the meta, ortho or, in particular, para positions, or is a 2-naphthyl group.

Compounds in which R¹ is a phenyl group substituted (particularly in the para-position) by a methoxy, acetyl, --CO₂ CH₃, --NHCOCH₃, benzoylamino, --CONH₂, --CON(CH₃)₂ or --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃ group, or R¹ is a 2-naphthyl group, are particularly useful.

In the group Y, R⁶ and R⁷ are preferably hydrogen atoms. Compounds in which R⁵ is H or --CH₃ and R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen atoms are also preferred.

When the Ar phenyl group is substituted, the substituent may be in the meta, ortho or para positions and may be for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, methylthio, methylsulphinyl, methylsulphonyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo or trifluoromethyl. Preferably, only a single substituent is present, particularly at the para-position. In general, Ar is preferably phenyl or phenyl substituted by halogen, particularly fluoro or chloro.

The preferences indicated above apply both separately and in combination with one or more of the other stated preferences.

A preferred group of compounds of the invention thus has the formulaa (1) in which:

X is --CH═CH-- or --CH₂ CH₂ -- and n is 1 and m is 3 or n is 2 and m is 2 or 4, or X is --CH═C═CH-- and n is 1 and m is 2 or n is 2 and m is 1 or 3;

R¹ is a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₃ alkyl (particularly methyl) or is a phenyl group substituted (preferably in the para-position) by a methoxy, acetyl, --CO₂ CH₃ --NHCOCH₃, benzoylamino, --CONH₂, --CON(CH₃)₂ or --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃ group or R¹ is a 2-naphthyl group;

R⁵ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen atoms; and

Ar is phenyl or phenyl substituted by fluoro or chloro.

Compounds of this type in which the carbon atom carrying the --(CH₂)_(n) X(CH₂)_(m) CO₂ R¹ group is in the R-configuration are particularly preferred. Especially preferred compounds of this type are those in which R¹ is a phenyl group substituted (preferably in the para-position) by benzoylamino or --CONH₂, particularly the former.

Particularly important compounds of the invention are:

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,(R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,(R*),3α]]-7-[3-hydroxy-2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid and its physiologically acceptable salts

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

[1R-[1α(E),2β(R*),3α]]-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-1-Methylethyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, and

[1R-[1α,2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4,5-heptenoate.

A further particularly useful group of compounds according to the invention are the following:

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-Acetylphenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Acetylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z,S*),2β(R*),3α]]-(+)-4-[2-(Acetylamino)-3-amino-3-oxopropyl]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-3-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(N,N-Dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-) Methyl 4-[[7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-1-oxo-5-heptenyl]oxy]benzoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-2-Naphthalenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-Methoxyphenyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-(1α,2β(R*),3α)]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoate,

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α,2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentaneheptanoate; and

[1R-[1α(E),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate.

An especially useful group of compounds of this type are:

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-Acetylphenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Acetylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-3-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(N,N-Dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-) Methyl 4-[[7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-1-oxo-5-heptenyl]oxy]benzoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-2-Naphthalenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-Methoxyphenyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate; and

[1R-[1α,2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentaneheptanoate.

A further important group of compounds according to the invention that have especially useful physico-chemical properties which make them very suitable for pharmaceutical formulation are:

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-Acetylphenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Acetylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-[4-(Acetylamino)benzoylamino]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z,S*),2β(R*),3α]]-(+)-4-[2-(Acetylamino)-3-amino-3-oxopropyl]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-3-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-) Methyl 4-[[7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-1-oxo-5-heptenyl]oxy]benzoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-[4-(Hydroxy)benzoylamino]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-2-Naphthalenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-(Methylsulphonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-[2-hydroxy-3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]propoxy]-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate;

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 9-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-7-nonenoate; and

[1R-[1α,2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentaneheptanoate.

A particularly preferred compound according to the invention is:

[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate.

Compounds of formula (1) inhibit gastric acid secretion, as determined for example by their ability to inhibit histamine-induced secretory responses in the rat perfused stomach, following the method of Ghosh M. N. and Schild in Br. J. Pharmacol., 1958, 13, 54 as modified by Parsons M. E., Ph.D Thesis, University of London, 1969.

The compounds also provide gastrointestinal cytoprotection, as determined for example by their ability to inhibit ethanol-induced lesions in the conscious rat, following the method of Robert et al in Gastroenterology, 1979, 77, 433, modified by the use of 5 mg/kg/s.c. indomethacin prior to the administration of the test compound.

The compounds are thus of interest in the prevention and/or treatment of ulcers. They may also be used in the treatment of other conditions which arise from the hypersecretion of gastric acid. They may be formulated in conventional manner with one or more pharmaceutical carriers, for example for oral, buccal, parenteral or rectal administration.

The compounds may be formulated for oral administration as, for example, tablets, capsules, powders, solutions or syrups prepared by conventional means with acceptable excipents.

The compounds may be formulated for parenteral administration by bolus injections or continuous infusion. Formulations for injections may be presented in unit dosage form in ampoules, or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative.

For buccal administration, the compounds may be formulated as tablets or lozenges in conventional manner; and for rectal administration compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, for example containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glyceride, can be used.

The compounds are preferably administered orally, for example in amounts of 0.5 to 300 μg/kg body weight, 1 to 4 times daily. For parenteral administration, the compounds may be administered in amounts of 0.01 to 10 μg/kg body weight, 1 to 4 times daily. The precise dose will of course depend on the age and condition of the patient.

Suitable methods for preparing the compounds of the invention are described below, the various groups and symbols being as defined above except where otherwise indicated.

(a) Compounds of formula (1) may be prepared by deprotection of a corresponding compound in which the ring hydroxy group and the hydroxy group in Y are protected.

The protected compounds are thus of formula (2) ##STR8## in which R⁸ is a suitable hydroxyl protecting group [e.g. tetrahydropyran-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, ethoxyethyl, tri(hydrocarbyl)silyl or arylmethyl] and Y¹ is defined as a group ##STR9##

The two R⁸ groups in the compounds of formula (2) are conveniently the same, but they may be different if desired.

Where R⁸ is tri(hydrocarbyl)silyl the hydrocarbyl substituents may be the same or different e.g. C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl and C₆₋₂₀ aryl groups. Such groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, allyl, phenyl and benzyl. Preferred hydrocarbyl groups are C₁₋₄ alkyl, e.g. methyl and t-butyl. Trimethylsilyl and t-butyldimethylsilyl groups are particularly preferred.

When R⁸ is an arylmethyl group it may contain up to 20 carbon atoms, e.g. benzyl, diphenylmethyl or triphenylmethyl.

The method used to deprotect the protected hydroxyl group will depend on the nature of R⁸ but in general acid hydrolysis or reduction may be used.

Thus, for example when R⁸ is a tetrahydropyran-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl or ethoxyethyl group deprotection may be carried out with an acid. Suitable acids include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid and organic acids such as acetic acid or trifluoroacetic acid. Suitable solvents include ethers (e.g. diethyl ether, dioxan and tetrahydrofuran), halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. dichloromethane), hydrocarbons (e.g. toluene), dipolar aprotic solvents (e.g. acetone, acetonitrile, dimethylsulphoxide and dimethylformamide) and alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol and ethylene gylcol). Where desired the solvents may be used in combination with water. The reaction may be carried out at any suitable temperature, such as from 0° to 50° C., e.g. 40° to 50° C.

A tri(hydrocarbyl)silyl group may for example be removed by acid hydrolysis, e.g. with dilute mineral acid or trifluoroacetic acid or by treatment with fluoride ions (e.g. from a quaternary ammonium fluoride such as tetra-n-butyl ammonium fluoride), or by treatment with aqueous hydrogen fluoride. Arylmethyl groups may be removed by reduction, e.g. by hydrogenolysis, e.g. with a noble metal catalyst such as platinum or palladium, or by treatment with a Lewis acid (e.g. boron trifluoride-etherate) in the presence of a thiol (e.g. ethanethiol) in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane at e.g. room temperature.

Methods for preparing the compounds of formula (2) are described below in [(a)(i)-(vi)], from which it will be appreciated that the deprotection method (a) is usually applied in connection with the formation of oxidation of the ring oxo group. Thus, the compounds of formula (1) may generally be prepared by oxidising a corresponding compound having an α-OH group instead of the ring oxo group, the other hydroxy groups present (i.e. the ring hydroxy group and the hydroxy group in Y) being protected during the reaction, as described above.

(a)(i) Compounds of formula (2) in which X is cis --CH═CH-- and n is 1 may be prepared by the reaction sequence shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

Norbornanones of formula (5) may be prepared by treating compounds of formula (3), where R^(8a) is as defined above for R⁸ or is another suitable hydroxyl protecting group (e.g. methoxymethyl or methoxyethoxymethyl), with Y¹ OH in the presence of a non-nucleophilic base (e.g. potassium t-butoxide, sodium hydride or sodium metal). The tricyclic intermediates of formula (4) are not usually isolated but can be formed by treating a ketone of formula (3) with a non-nucleophilic base. A compound of formula (5) can then be prepared in a separate step, by treatment of a compound of formula (4) with Y¹ OH in the presence or absence of base.

Intermediates of formulae (3) and (4) may be prepared by the methods generally described in British Patent Specification Nos. 1568371 and 1568372. The alcohols Y¹ OH may be prepared from the known alcohols YOH by standard hydroxy protection procedures, for example those described in "Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry", Ed. J. F. W. McOmie (Plenum Press 1973).

Norbornanones of formula (6) may be prepared by selective removal of the R⁸ protecting group present in the corresponding compounds of formula (5).

The lactones of formula (7) may be prepared by the Bayer-Villiger oxidation of the corresponding norbornanone of formula (6) with a peracid. Deprotection of lactones of formula (7) provides the lactones of formula (8). The formation of compounds of formula (8) can occur spontaneously on removal of the group R^(8a), but otherwise the deprotection step is followed by treatment with an acid (e.g. toluene-p-sulphonic acid.

The lactols of formula (10) may be prepared by first protecting the hydroxy groups of lactones of formula (8) (e.g. as the tetrahydropyran-2-yl ethers) to give lactones of formula (9). Subsequent reduction with for example di-isobutylaluminium hydride gives the lactols of formula (10).

Compounds of formula (11) may be prepared by reacting a lactol of formula (10) with an appropriate Wittig reagent (R⁹)₃ P═CH(CH₂)_(m) CO₂ R¹ (where R⁹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl or aryl, e.g. monocyclic aryl such as phenyl) or a salt thereof, e.g. the potassium salt. Suitable solvents include hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene and toluene), ethers (e.g. tetrahydrofuran) and dialkylsulphoxides (e.g. dimethylsulphoxide). The reaction may be carried out at any suitable temperature from -70° C. to 50° C., preferably at room temperature. The reaction is particularly suitable for the preparation of compounds in which R¹ is hydrogen.

Compounds of formula (11) in which R¹ is hydrogen may also be prepared by hydrolysing a corresponding ester (e.g. a C₁₋₆ alkyl ester), e.g. using a base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in a suitable solvent (e.g. methanol) at room temperature to 50° C.

Compounds of formula (2) may be prepared by oxidation of a compound of formula (11) with for example pyridinium chlorochromate in the presence of a buffer (e.g. sodium acetate) in a suitable solvent (e.g. dichloromethane) at an appropriate temperature (e.g. -10° C. to room temperature). Alternatively, the oxidation may be carried out with dimethylsulphoxide activated by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, in the presence of pyridinium trifluoroacetate in a solvent such as dichloromethane at e.g. -10° C. to room temperature. Other conventional oxidative methods can also be used, for example Jones reagent.

If desired, a compound of formula (2) or formula (11) in which R¹ is a hydrogen atom may be converted to the corresponding compound in which R¹ is a group of type [a], [b], [c] or [d] by esterification using for example one of the processes described in Section (b) below. Also, the group X in the compound of formula (11) may be reduced to --CH₂ CH₂ (e.g. by method (c) below) or isomerised to trans --CH═CH-- prior to the formation of the compound of formula (2). The isomerisation may for example be effected by treating the corresponding cis compound with toluene-p-sulphinic acid in dioxan (e.g. at reflux) or azobisisobutyronitrile and thiophenol, using for example a hydrocarbon solvent (e.g. benzene) at any suitable temperature up to reflux.

(a)(ii) Compounds of formula (2) in which X is cis --CH═CH-- and n is 2 may be prepared by the reaction sequence shown in FIG. 2.

A lactone of formula (7) is reduced, in the same manner as described above for reductions of lactones of formula (9), to give a lactol of formula (12) (or its aldehyde tautomer). Treatment with an appropriate Wittig reagent, (e.g. (R⁹)₃ P═CHOR¹⁰, where R⁹ is as defined above and R¹⁰ is C₁₋₄ alkyl), in a similar manner to that described in process a(i), gives the vinyl ether of formula (13) which is hydrolysed to the aldehyde (14) for example using a dilute acid such as hydrochloric acid in a suitable solvent (e.g. acetone). A protecting group R⁸ (e.g. a tetrahydropyran-2-yl group) is then introduced to give the aldehyde of formula (15) which on selective removal of the R^(8a) protecting group (e.g. the phenylmethyl group by hydrogenolysis by the method described above) yields a lactol of formula (16).

Elaboration of a lactol of formula (16) to a compound of formula (2) is then performed as described in process (a)(i) for the conversion of compounds of formula (10) to those of formula (2).

(a)(iii) Lactones of formula (7) may alternatively be prepared by the sequence shown in FIG. 3.

Firstly, a compound of formula (3) is reacted with allyl alcohol (e.g. in the presence of sodium) to give a compound of formula (17) which on Baeyer-Villiger oxidation gives a lactone of formula (18). Epoxidation with for example trifluoroperacetic acid in the presence of a weak base e.g. potassium carbonate or by a two-step procedure involving conversion into an iodohydride mixture of formula (19) with silver I oxide and iodine in a suitable solvent (e.g. aqueous dioxan), followed by treatment with base (e.g. sodium hydroxide) gives an epoxide of formula (20). Treatment of an epoxide of formula (20) with a phenol, ArOH, in the presence of a base (e.g. potassium carbonate or potassium fluoride on a support for example alumina) gives the lactones of formula (7).

(a)(iv) Lactones of formula (8) may alternatively be prepared by the reaction sequence shown in FIG. 4.

A lactone of formula (22) may be prepared via a norbornanone of formula (21) using the general procedures described above. Deprotection and rearrangement gives a triol of formula (23) which on reaction with diethyl azodicarboxylate in the presence of a phosphine, (R⁹)₃ P (where R⁹ is as defined above) at an appropriate temperature e.g. 70° C. provides an epoxide of formula (24). Reaction with a phenol, ArOH, in a similar manner to that described above for an epoxide of formula (20), gives the lactones of formula (8).

(a)(v) A lactone of formula (7) in which R² is a methyl group may be prepared by first oxidising a lactone of formula (7) in which R² is hydrogen (with for example Jones reagent) to give a ketone of formula (25). Subsequent reaction with a Grignard reagent (e.g. CH₂ MgCl) in a suitable solvent (e.g. tetrahydrofuran) gives the lactone of formula (7). ##STR10##

(a)(vi) Compounds of formula (2) in which X is --CH═C═CH-- may be prepared by the reaction sequence shown in FIG. 5.

For example, a lactol of formula (10) or (16) in a suitable solvent (e.g. ether) is added to an excess of the dilithium salt of HC.tbd.C(CH₂)_(m) COOH, at an appropriate temperature (e.g. 0°-25° C.). After esterification of the crude product with diazoalkane (e.g. diazomethane), a diol is given of formula (26). The lithium reagent may be prepared by the addition of the acid in a suitable solvent (e.g. ether or tetrahydrofuran) to the lithium salt of an amine [e.g. lithium diisopropylamide, prepared by the addition of an alkyl lithium (e.g. n-butyl lithium) to diisopropylamine in a suitable solvent (e.g. an ether-hexamethyl-phosphoramide mixture) at an appropriate temperature e.g. -78°-0° C.].

Acetylation of the diol of formula (26) [e.g. with acetic anhydride in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in a suitable solvent (e.g. a dichloromethane-triethylamine mixture) at an appropriate temperature (e.g. room temperature)] provides an acetylenic diacetate of formula (27). Subsequent reaction with an excess of lithium dimethylcopper (prepared as described, for example, by P. Rona et al., in J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1969, 91, 3289) in a suitable solvent (e.g. ether) at an appropriate temperature (e.g. -78° C.) gives an allene of formula (28). Acetate hydrolysis with a base (e.g. potassium carbonate) in a suitable solvent (e.g. methanol) gives a compound of formula (11) which X is --CH═C═CH--, which may be converted into a compound of formula (2) by the method described above.

(b) Compounds of formula (1) in which R¹ is a group of type [a], [b], [c] or [d] may be prepared by esterifying the corresponding compound in which R¹ is a hydrogen atom.

Thus for example a compound of formula (1) may be prepared by conversion of the corresponding carboxylic acid into an activated derivative (e.g. a corresponding mixed anhydride) formed for example by reaction with an alkyl chloroformate (e.g. isobutyl chloroformate) or an acid chloride (e.g. pivaloyl chloride) in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. triethylamine or pyridine). The activated derivative can then be reacted with an appropriate compound R¹ OH, which are either known compounds or may be prepared by methods analogous to those used for the preparation of known compounds. Suitable solvents include dipolar aprotic solvents (e.g. acetone, acetonitrile and dimethylformamide) and halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. dichloromethane). The reaction may be carried out at any suitable temperature e.g. from 0° C. to room temperature.

The same group of compounds of formula (1) may also be prepared by first reacting the corresponding acid with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine and then treating the product with a phenol R¹ OH. This reaction is conveniently performed at an appropriate temperature (e.g. 0° C. to room temperature) in a solvent such as ether or dichloromethane.

In another example, compounds of formula (1) in which R¹ is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group may be prepared by esterification of the corresponding carboxylic acid with a diazoalkane e.g. diazomethane in a suitable solvent (e.g. dichloromethane or ether).

(c) Compounds of formula (1) in which X is a --CH₂ --CH₂ -- group may be prepared by reduction of a corresponding compound in which X is a cis or trans --CH═CH-- group or an acetylene group. Suitable methods of reduction include hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, e.g. palladium, on a support (e.g. carbon). Suitable solvents include ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol.

(d) Compounds of formula (1) in which X is a --CH═CH-- group may be prepared by selective reduction of a corresponding compound in which X is an acetylene group. Suitable methods of reduction include hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, e.g. palladium on a support (e.g. CaCO₃ or BaSO₄) and poisoned for example by lead or quinoline. Suitable solvents include ethyl acetate and methanol. This reaction is particularly suitable for the preparation of compounds in which X is cis --CH═CH--.

The acetylenes required as starting materials may be prepared by first brominating (e.g. with bromine in CH₂ Cl₂) a compound of formula (11) (in which the hydroxyl group is protected, X is --CH═CH-- and R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl e.g. methyl) to give the corresponding compound in which X is --CHBr. The latter dibromo compound is then dehydrobrominated to form the acetylene group, for example in two stages, using two potassium t-butoxide first at 0° C. and then at room temperature. Deprotection of the resulting compound affords a compound of formula (11) in which X is an acetylene group, which may then be converted into the required acetylene starting material by the methods described above for the conversion of compounds of formula (11) to compounds of formula (1). The R¹ group may if desired be modified before use in process (d).

(e) Compounds of formula (1) in which R¹ is a hydrogen atom may be prepared by hydrolysis of a corresponding ester. The ester is desirably a labile ester, for example a compound of formula (1) in which R¹ is tetrahydropyran-2-yl or tri(hydrocarbyl)silyl. Hydrolysis may be effected with an acid (e.g. acid or trifluoroacetic acid) in a suitable solvent (e.g. aqueous tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane) at an appropriate temperature.

(f) Compounds of formula (1) in which X is a trans --CH═CH-- group may be prepared by isomerisation of a corresponding compound in which X is a cis --CH═CH-- group.

The isomerisation may for example be effected by treating the corresponding cis compound with toluene-p-sulphinic acid in dioxan (e.g. at reflux), or azobisisobutyronitrile and thiophenol, using for example a hydrocarbon solvent (e.g. benzene) at any suitable temperature up to reflux.

(g) Where salts of compounds of formula (1) are desired such salts may be formed by conventional methods e.g. by treatment an acid of formula (1) with a base (e.g. an amine such as piperazine) in a solvent such as ether.

When a specific enantiomer of formula (1) is required, starting materials having the desired stereochemical configuration should be used in the above processes. The bicyclic intermediate of formula (3) may be prepared for example from enantiomeric bicycloheptenone as described in European Patent Specification No. 74856.

Temperatures are in °C.

The following abbreviations are used:

`Dried` refers to drying with anhydrous MgSO₄. T.l.c.--Thin layer Chromatography on silica. Chromatography was carried out on silica gel.

ER--ether; EA--ethyl acetate; PE--petroleum ether (b.p. 60°-80° unless otherwise stated); DIBAL--diisobutylaluminium hydride; THF--tetrahydrofuran; CH₂ Cl₂ --dichloromethane; CHCl₃ --chloroform; CHBr₃ --bromoform; DMF--dimethylformamide; DMSO--dimethylsulphoxide; EtOH--ethanol; MeOH--methanol; CH₃ CN--acetonitrile; Et₃ N--triethylamine; N.T.P.--normal temperature and pressure.

INTERMEDIATE 1 (2R)-3-Phenoxy-1,2-propanediol

Prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,557.

INTERMEDIATE 2 (2S)-(-)-1-[[(1,1-Dimethylethyl)diphenylsilyl]oxy]-3-phenoxy-2-propanol

A stirred solution of Intermediate 1 (0.47 g) and imidazole (0.43 g) in DMF (20 ml), at 0°-5°, was treated with t-butylchlorodiphenylsilane (0.86 g) in DMF (10 ml) over 30 min. After 3 h the mixture was poured onto water (80 ml) and extracted with EA (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with brine (2×30 ml), dried and evaporated to yield an oily residue. Purification by chromatography using 1:2 EA-PE as eluent gave the title compound as an oil (1.0 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) [α]_(D) ²⁰ -4.8° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 3 (2S)-(-)-(1,1Dimethylethyl)[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]diphenylsilane

A solution of Intermediate 2 (0.59 g), pyridinium toluene-p-sulphonate (40 mg) and dihydropyran (0.17 ml) in CH₂ Cl₂ (30 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The mixture was washed successively with 8% NaHCO₃ (20 ml) and brine (2×20 ml) and then dried. Removal of the solvent gave a residue which was purified by chromatography using 2:9 ER-PE as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.3 g).

T.l.c. CH₂ Cl₂ Rf 0.5 [α]_(D) ¹⁹.4 -7.5° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 4 (2S)-(-)-3-Phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-1-propanol

Tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1M, 2.7 ml) was added to a stirred solution of Intermediate 3 (0.9 g) in THF (15 ml). After 1 h the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography using 3:2 EA-PE as eluent to give the title compound as solid (0.34 g), m.p. 39°-41°.

INTERMEDIATE 5 (1S)-(-)-Bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-6-one

Prepared as described in European Patent Specification No. 74856.

INTERMEDIATE 6 [1R-(1α,2α,3β,5α)]-(+)-2-Bromo-3-(phenylmethoxy)bicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-6-one

A mixture of Intermediate 5 (10 g) and benzylalcohol (54 g) at -5° was treated with N-bromosuccinimide (1.65 g) portionwise over 2 h. The mixture was stirred at -5° for 16 h, diluted with CH₂ Cl₂ (100 ml) and washed with water (100 ml). The aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (100 ml) and the combined organic extracts were washed successively with 5% sodium metabisulphite solution (50 ml) and water (50 ml). The organic extract was diluted with PE (330 ml), treated with powdered calcium chloride (60 g) and stirred at room temperature for 72 h. Filtration and evaporation gave a residue (28 g) which was crystallised from ethanol (32 ml) at -15° to give the title compound as a solid (13.6 g), m.p. 61°-61.5°. [α]_(D) ²².5 +22.6° (CHCl₃)

INTERMEDIATE 7 (a) [1R-[1R*,4S*,5S*,7S*,7(S*)]]-(+)-7-[[3-Phenoxy-2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-(phenylmethoxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one

Sodium metal (1.3 g), in small pieces, was added to a solution of Intermediate 4 in THF (200 ml) and the mixture heated at reflux for 20 h. Unreacted sodium was removed by filtration and the filtrate treated with a solution of Intermediate 6 (7.08 g) in THF (40 ml). After 6 h stirring at room temperature a saturated solution of ammonium chloride (150 ml) was added and then the organic solvent removed in vacuo. The aqueous residue was extracted with ether (3×150 ml), the dried extracts were evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography using 3:7 EA-PE as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (7.7 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm-¹ [α]_(D) ²¹.6 +26.1° (CH₃ OH)

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [IR-(Endo,Anti)]-(+)-7-[(2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy]-5-(phenylmethoxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, from Intermediate 6.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1742 cm-¹ [α]_(D) ²⁴.1 +29.6° (CH₃ OH)

(c) [IR-(Endo,Anti)]-(+)-5-(Phenylmethoxy)-7-(2-propenyloxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, from Intermediate 6.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²¹.4 +41.2° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 8 [1R-[1R*,4S*,5S*,7R*,7(R*)]]-(+)-7-(2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-(phenylmethoxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one

A solution of Intermediate 7a (13.8 g) in methanol (150 ml) containing methanolic HCl (2.5 ml) was stirred for 2 h at room temperature. Water (150 ml) was added followed 1 h later by 8% NaHCO₃ solution (5 ml). The methanol was removed in vacuo and the aqueous residue extracted with ether (4×100 ml). The combined extracts were dried and evaporated to give the title compound as an oil (10.2 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1745 cm-¹. [α]_(D) ²².8 +23.7° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 9 (a) [1R-[1R*,5S*,6S*,8R*,8(R*)]]-( )-8-(2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-6-phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

Peracetic acid (6.1M, 10.5 ml) was added dropwise during 10 min to a cold (0°), stirred mixture of Intermediate 8 (10.2 g) and sodium acetate (5.25 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (150 ml). After 24 h at room temperature the mixture was poured onto a 20% sodium sulphite solution (250 ml) and stirred for 1 h at 0°. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (2×75 ml) and the combined extracts were dried and evaporated to give the title compound as an oil (9.35 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3570, 1725 cm⁻¹

(b) [1R-(Endo,Anti)]-(-)-8-(2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

A stirred mixture of Intermediate 24 (1.59 g), phenol (1.37 g) and potassium carbonate (2.3 g) in acetonitrile (7 ml) was heated at reflux for 4 h. Filtration and evaporation gave a residue which was purified by chromatography using ER as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (1.49 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3570, 1730 cm-¹. [α]_(D) ²⁰ -21.0° (CHCl₃)

The following compounds were prepared from Intermediate 24 in a similar manner:

(c) [1R-(Endo,Anti)]-(-)-8-[3-(4-Fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1735 cm⁻¹

[α]_(D) ¹⁸.7 -27.7° (CH₃ OH)

(d) [1R-(Endo,Anti)-(-)-8-[3-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1740 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²⁰ -26.2° (CH₃ OH)

(e) [1R-(Endo,Anti)]-(-)-8-[3-(3-Chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1735 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁸.5 -25.9° (CH₃ OH)

(f) [1R-(Endo,Anti)]-(-)-8-[3-(2-Chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1738 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁹.3 -29.3° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 10 (a) [3aR-[3aα,4α(2R*),5β,6aα]]-(+)-Hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

A solution of Intermediate 9a (9.35 g) in ethanol (150 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium oxide on charcoal (2 g) at N.T.P. for 24 h. The catalyst and solvent were removed to give a residue which was stirred in 2N NaOH (60 ml) for 2 h. The solution was extracted with ether (3×30 ml, discarded) and the aqueous phase acidified with 5N HCl and then stirred for 2 h. The solution was extracted with EA (4×50 ml) and the organic extracts were washed successively with 8% NaHCO₃ (4×50 ml) and brine (2×50 ml). Drying and evaporation gave an oil (2.01 g) a portion of which was triturated with CH₂ Cl₂ and then crystallised from PE-methyl acetate to give the title compound as a powder m.p. 100°. [α]_(D) ²⁴.3 +16.1° (CH₃ OH)

(b) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα )]-(+)-Hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

A solution of Intermediate 9b (1.0 g) in ethanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium oxide on charcoal (0.1 g) at N.T.P. for 3 h. The catalyst and solvent were removed to give a residue (0.7 g) which was dissolved in CH₂ Cl₂ (20 ml) and treated with toluene-p-sulphonic acid (0.025 g). After 24 h at ambient temperature the mixture was washed with 8% NaHCO₃ (20 ml) and brine (20 ml). The dried extracts were evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography using 20:1 CH₂ Cl₂ -methanol as eluent to give the title compound as a colourless oil (0.58 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 1770 cm-¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁹.2 +9.5° (CH₃ OH)

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner from Intermediate 9c:

(c) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-4-[3-(4-Fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]hexahydro-5-hydroxy-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 1768 cm⁻¹.

[α]_(D) ¹⁹.7 +9.0° (CH₃ OH)

(d) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-4-[3-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]hexahydro-5-hydroxy-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

Boron trifluoride etherate (1.2 ml) was added to a mixture of Intermediate 9d (0.53 g) and ethanethiol (3 ml) in CH₂ Cl₂ (5 ml). After 36 h at room temperature, water (10 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with EA (3×15 ml). The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried and then evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography using EA as eluent to give the title compound as a pale orange solid (0.42 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 1768 cm⁻¹.

[α]_(D) ²².4 +6.1° (CH₃ OH)

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(e) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-4-[3-(3-Chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]hexahydro-5-hydroxy-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 9e.

I.r. (Nujol) 3500, 1725 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ¹⁹.4 +7.8° (CH₃ OH)

(f) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-4-[3-(2-Chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]hexahydro-5-hydroxy-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 9f.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1760 cm⁻¹.

[α]_(D) ²².1 +4.0° (CH₃ OH)

(g) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-Hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenoxy)propoxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

A stirred mixture of Intermediate 17 (0.3 g), K₂ CO₃ (0.45 g) and 4-methoxyphenol (0.3 g) in acetonitrile (15 ml) was heated at reflux for 2d. The mixture was treated with 2N HCl (10 ml), saturated with sodium chloride and then extracted with EA (4×50 ml). The dried extracts were evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography using 20:1 CH₂ Cl₂ -methanol as eluent to give the title compound as a gum (0.39 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1760 cm-¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁹.3 +8° (CH₃ OH)

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(h) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-Hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-[2-hydroxy-3-(3-methylphenoxy)propoxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 17.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1765 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰ +6.8° (CH₃ OH)

(i) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-Hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-[2-hydroxy-3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]propoxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 17.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1760 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²¹.0 +9.4° (CH₃ OH)

(j) (3aα,4α,5β,6aα)-(±)-Hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-[2-hydroxy-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propoxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

Peracetic acid (6.1M, 10.6 ml) was added dropwise to a cooled (0°), stirred, mixture of Intermediate 22 (5 g) and sodium acetate (4.6 g) in glacial acetic acid (25 ml) and water (10 ml). After 18 h at room temperature the excess peracetic acid was decomposed with a saturated sodium sulphite solution and the acetic acid was then removed in vacuo. The residue was diluted with water (50 ml), neutralised with 8% NaHCO₃ and extracted with EA (3×80 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried and evaporated to yield a viscous oil (4.5 g). The crude product in ethanol (50 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium oxide on charcoal (0.7 g) for 24 h. The catalyst and solvent were removed to yield a residual oil (3.43 g) which was dissolved in methanol (20 ml) and 5N NaOH (10 ml) and then heated at reflux for 15 min. The cooled, aqueous mixture was acidified with concentrated HCl and after 40 min at room temperature was extracted with CHCl₃ (2×50 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with 8% NaHCO₃ (2×30 ml), dried and evaporated to yield the title compound as a viscous oil (1.22 g). I.r. (Neat) 3420, 1725 cm⁻¹

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 10b.

(k) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-Hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-phenoxypropoxy)-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 27.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3500-3250, 1760 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁷.8 +2.7° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 11 (a) [3aR-[3aα,4α(2R*),5β,6aα]]-(+)-Hexahydro-4-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

A mixture of Intermediate 10a (2.01 g), dihydropyran (2.01 g), and pyridinium toluene-p-sulphonate (0.045 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (30 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. Water (30 ml) was added and the aqueous phase extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (3×30 ml). The combined extracts were washed successively with 8% NaHCO₃ (2×40 ml) and brine (2×30 ml) and then dried. Evaporation gave the title compound as an oil (3.18 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 1770 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁹.8 +8.6° (CH₃ OH)

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-Hexahydro-4-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10b

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1764 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁹.6 +6.6° (CH₃ OH)

(c) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-( )-4-[3-(4-Fluorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10c.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1765 cm⁻¹.

(d) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-( )-4-[3-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10d.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1766 cm⁻¹.

(e) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-4-[3-(3-Chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10e.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1760 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ¹⁹.6 +5.6° (CH₃ OH)

(f) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-( )-4-[3-(2-Chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]propoxy]hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2Hpyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[β]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10f.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1760 cm⁻¹.

(g) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-( )-Hexahydro-4-[3-(4-methoxphenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10g.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1760 cm⁻¹

(h) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)-( )-Hexahydro-4-[3-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10h.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1760 cm⁻¹

(i) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β, 6aα)]-(+)-Hexahydro-4-[3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10i

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1765 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ¹⁹.2 +7.2° (CH₃ OH)

(j) (3aα,4α,5β,6aα)-(±)-Hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-4-[2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propoxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10j.

I.r. (Neat) 1770 cm⁻¹

(k) [1S-(1α,2β,3α,5α)]-(+)2-[3-Phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-(phenylmethoxy)-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentanepropanal, from Intermediate 25.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1715 cm³¹ 1 [α]_(D) ²⁰.2 +24.5° (CH₃ OH)

(l) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-Hexahydro-4-[2-methyl-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-3-phenoxypropoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one, from Intermediate 10k.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1768 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²³.2 +2.5° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 12 (a) [3aR-[3aα,4α(2R*),5β,6aα]]-( )-Hexahydro-4-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol

DIBAL (1M in hexane, 1.09 ml) was added to a cold (-78°), stirred solution of Intermediate 11a (0.4 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (30 ml). After 1.5 h methanol (25 ml) was added dropwise and after 1 h at room temperature ether (50 ml) was added. After a further 2 h at room temperature the mixture was filtered through hyflo and the filtrate evaporated to give the title compound as an oil (0.37 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3380 cm⁻¹

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(-)-Hexahydro-4-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11b

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3380 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰.6 -13.1° (CH₃ OH)

(c) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(-)-4-[3-(4-Fluorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11c.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3400 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²².2 -16.2° (CH₃ OH)

(d) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-( )-4-[3-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11d.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580 cm⁻¹

(e) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(-)-4-[3-(3-Chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11e.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3380 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²².3 -12.6° (CH₃ OH)

(f) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-( )-4-[3-(2-Chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11f.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 3560 cm⁻¹.

(g) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-( )-Hexahydro-4-[3-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11g.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3400 cm⁻¹

(h) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-( )-Hexahydro-4-[3-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11h.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3380 cm⁻¹

(i) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(-)-Hexahydro-4-[3-[4-(4-methylthio)phenoxy]-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11i.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3380 cm⁻¹.

[α]_(D) ²¹.3 -11.9° (CH₃ OH)

(j) (3aα,4α,5β,6aα)-(±)-Hexahydro-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-4-[2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propoxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11j.

I.r. (Neat) 3405 cm⁻¹

(k) [1R-(Endo,anti)]-(+)-8-(2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-ol, from Intermediate 9b.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3400, 1720 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁸ +40.2° (CH₃ OH)

(l) [3aR-(3aα,5β,6aα)]-(-)-Hexahydro-4-[2-methyl-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-3-phenoxypropoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-ol, from Intermediate 11l.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰.3 -18° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 13 (a) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

To a cold (0°) solution of potassium tert-butoxide (1.5 g) in THF (50 ml) under N₂ was added (4-carboxybutyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (3.0 g). After 0.5 h a solution of Intermediate 12a (0.96 g) in THF (30 ml) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 2 h. A saturated solution of ammonium chloride (50 ml) was added and the mixtue was extracted with ether (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with saturated brine (2×25 ml), dried, esterified with ethereal diazomethane and then evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography using 2:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent to give the title compounds as an oil (1.0 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 1728 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²³.4 +19° (CH₃ OH)

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-(+)-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12b.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 1728 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁸.1 +18.5° (CH₃ OH)

(c) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α,]]-(+)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4fluorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12c.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3560-3520, 1730 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²¹.3 +19.8° (CH₃ OH)

(d) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12d.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3600-3520, 1730 cm⁻¹.

(e) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-(+)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(3-chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12e.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3540, 1730 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰.9 +20.3° (CH₃ OH)

(f) 1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12f.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3600-3520, 1730 cm⁻¹.

(g) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12g.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3540, 1730 cm⁻¹

(h) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-(+)-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12h.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3540, 1720 cm⁻¹

[α]_(D) ²⁰ +19.1° (CH₃ OH)

(i) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α,]]-(+)-Methyl 7-[5-Hydroxy-2-[3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12i.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3500, 1723 cm⁻¹.

[α]_(D) ²⁰.2 +21.4° (CH₃ OH)

(j) [1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]-(±)-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2-[2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propoxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12j.

I.r. (Neat) 3460, 1738 cm⁻¹

(k) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate, from Intermediate 11k but using (3-carboxypropyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3540, 1730 cm⁻¹

(l) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-(+)-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[2-methyl-3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 12l.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 1720 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰.1 +19.2° (CH₃ OH)

(m) [1S-(1α,2β,3α)]-(+)-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]heptanoate

A solution of Intermediate 13b (0.912 g) in ethanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium oxide of charcoal (0.08 g) at N.T.P. for 16 h. The catalyst and solvent were removed to give the title compound as an oil (0.89 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 1725 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ¹⁸.6 +9.4° (CH₃ OH)

(n) [1S-[1α(E),2β(2S*),3α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-Hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 13a (0.2 g), thiophenol (0.55 ml) and azobisisobutyronitrile (0.1 g) in dry benzene (2 ml) was heated at reflux for 24 h. Evaporation and purification of the resiude by chromatography using 1:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) increasing to ER as eluent gave the title compound as an oil (0.1 g). T.l.c. ER Rf 0.45.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 13a):

(o) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-Methyl 6-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-hexenoate, using (3-carboxypropyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide and Intermediate 12a.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3510, 1725 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²³ +13.2° (CH₃ OH)

(p) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-Methyl 8-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-6-octenate, using (5-carboxypentyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide and Intermediate 12a.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3520, 1725 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²³.1 +10.6° (CH₃ OH)

(q) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-Methyl 9-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-7-nonenoate, using (6-carboxyhexyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide and Intermediate 12a.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3520, 1725 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²³.4 +12.7° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 14 (a) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,(2R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A cold (0°), stirred suspension of Intermediate 13a (0.3 g) and sodium acetate (0.11 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (30 ml) was treated with pyridinium chlorochromate (0.29 g) portionwise during 0.5 h. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, diluted with ether (30 ml) and then stirred for a further 0.5 h. Filtration and evaporation gave a residue which was purified by chromatography on acid washed (pH 3.8) silica using 5:3 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.21 g). I.r. (Neat) 1740 cm-¹ [α]_(D) ²³ -12.4° (CH₃ OH)

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13b.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁹.6 -18.6° (CH₃ OH)

(c) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13c.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1732 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ¹⁸.3 -15.5° (CH₃ OH)

(d) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13d.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1730 cm⁻¹.

(e) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(3-chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13e.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1732 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²⁰.4 -12.9° (CH₃ OH)

(f) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13f.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1730 cm⁻¹.

(g) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13g.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹

(h) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13h.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰.5 -16° (CH₃ OH)

(i) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-(methylthio)phenoxy]-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 13i (0.1 g) and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.12 g) in dry DMSO (1.5 ml) at ambient temperature was treated with pyridinium trifluoroacetate (0.046 g). After stirring for 4 h the mixture was poured into water (20 ml) and the product extracted with ER (4×30 ml). The combined extracts were dried and evaporated to leave a residue which was purified by chromatography using 5:3 ER-PE as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.042 g).

T.l.c. 1:1 EA-PE Rf 0.6.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 14a:

(j) [1α(Z),2β,3α]-(±)-Methyl 7-[5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-2-[2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propoxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13j.

I.r. (Neat) 3420, 1740 cm⁻¹

(k) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[2-[3-[4-(methylsulphinyl)phenoxy]-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate from Intermediate 13i.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1735 cm⁻¹.

(l) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,(2R*),3α]]-(-)-7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl-5-heptenoic acid, from Intermediate 23.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3500, 1730, 1710 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰.6 -5° (CH₃ OH)

(m) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13k.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹

(n) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[2-methyl-3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 13l.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²² -6.8° (CH₃ OH)

(o) [1R-(1α,2β,3α)]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]heptanoate, from Intermediate 13m.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1732 cm⁻¹.

(p) [1R-[1α(E),2β(2R*),3α]]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A mixture of N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.28 g), DMSO (0.23 ml) and Intermediate 13n (0.091 g) in dry CH₂ Cl₂ (2 ml) under nitrogen was treated with pyridinium trifluoroacetate (0.11 g). After stirring for 5 h at 20° water (0.1 ml) and ether (70 ml) were added. The organic phase was washed with copper sulphate solution (20 ml), brine (20 ml) and then dried. Evaporation gave a residue which was purified by chromatography using 2:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.073 g). T.l.c. 2:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) Rf 0.28

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 14p:

(q) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl-6-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-hexenoate, from Intermediate 13o.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²².8 -23.3° (CH₃ OH)

(r) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 8-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-6-octenoate, from Intermediate 13 p.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²².8 -22.3° (CH₃ OH)

(s) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 9-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-7-nonenoate, from Intermediate 13 q.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²².9 -23.4° (CH₃ OH)

(t) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-1-Methylethyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 28.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740, 1720 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²¹.4 -19.5° (CH₃ OH)

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 14a:

(u) [1R-(1α,2β,3α)]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoate, from Intermediate 32.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1735 cm⁻¹.

INTERMEDIATE 15 (a) [1R-(Endo,Anti)]-( )-8-[(2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy]-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

Peracetic acid (6.1M, 60 ml) was added dropwise during 15 min to a cold (0°), stirred mixture of Intermediate 7b (50 g) and sodium acetate (29.7 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (500 ml). After 1 h at 0° the mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature and then poured onto 20% sodium sulphite solution (800 ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (3×100 ml) and the combined extracts were washed successively with water (2×75 ml), 8% NaHCO₃ (2×75), and then water (3×75 ml). Drying and evaporation gave a viscous gum (50 g) a portion of which (20.2 g) in acetonitrile (200 ml) at 0° was treated with 0.2N NaOH (200 ml). After 1.75 h stirring, brine (100 ml) was added and the mixture extracted with ER (3×100 ml). The dried organic extracts were evaporated to leave a residue which was purified by chromatography using 3:2 EA-PE as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (5.6 g). T.l.c. 2:1 EA-PE Rf 0.2

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [1R-(Endo,Anti)]-(-)-6-(Phenylmethoxy)-8-(2-propenyloxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one, from Intermediate 7c.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1730 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁹.7 -37.5° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 16 (a) [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-4-(2,3-Dihydroxypropoxy)hexahydro-5-hydroxy-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

A solution of Intermediate 15a (3.78 g) in ethanol (50 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium on charcoal (0.75 g) at N.T.P. for 2 h and then the solvent and catalyst were removed. A solution of the residue (2.7 g) in cold (0°) THF (15 ml) was treated with 2N HCl (3 ml) and the mixture then stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as an oil (2.71 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1760 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²¹ +5.7° (CH₃ OH)

(b) [4aR-(4aα,5α,6β,7aα)]-( )-Octahydro-5-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopenta[b]pyran-2-ol

A solution of Intermediate 11k (0.16 g) in EA (10 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium on charcoal (0.016 g) at N.T.P. for 24 h. The catalyst and solvent were removed and the residual oil (0.16 g) purified by chromatography using 7:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.086 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3570 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 17 [3aR-(3aα,4α,5β,6aα)]-(+)-Hexahydro-5-hydroxy-4-(oxiranylmethoxy)-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-2-one

A solution of Intermediate 16 (0.5 g) and triphenylphosphine (0.85 g) in DMSO (0.5 ml) and 1,4-dioxan (5 ml) at 70° was treated with a solution of diethyl azodicarboxylate (0.7 ml) in dioxan (2 ml) over 5 min and the mixture heated for 5 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography using 2:1 EA-PE then EA as eluent to give the title compound as a solid (0.33 g). A portion was crystallised from methyl acetate-PE m.p. 100°-102°. [α]_(D) ²¹.1 +8° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 18 (±)-1-(Phenylmethoxy)-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propan-2-ol

Sodium hydride (80% dispersion in oil, 0.045 g) was added to a mixture of benzyl alcohol (4 ml) and THF (3 ml) and warmed gently until effervescence ceased. To the cooled solution was added 1,2-epoxy-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propane (2.12 g). After stirring for 3 h the mixture was poured into ER (50 ml) and washed with brine. The dried extracts were evaporated and the residue distilled (b.p. 140°-144°/0.03 mm) to yield the title compound as an oil (2.25 g). I.r. (Neat) 3420 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 19 (±)-2-[1-[(Phenylmethoxy)methyl]-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]ethoxy]tetrahydro-2H-pyran

A solution of Intermediate 18 (103 g), dihydropyran (100 g) and toluene-p-sulphonic acid (0.1 g) in ER (350 ml) was allowed to stand at room temperature for 16 h. The solution was extracted with 8% NaHCO₃ solution and the aqueous layer then extracted with ER (2×100 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried and evaporated to yield the title compound as an oil (115 g). I.r. (Neat) 1330 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 20 (±)-2-[(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propan-1-ol

A solution of Intermediate 19 (66.0 g) in ethanol (500 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium oxide on charcoal (12 g) at 40 p.s.i. The catalyst and solvent were removed to afford the title compound as an oil (52.0 g). I.r. (Neat) 3420 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 21 (Endo)-(35 )-3-(Phenylmethoxy)tricyclo[3.2.0.0²,7 ]heptan-6-one Prepared as described in Belgian patent specification No. 848992 INTERMEDIATE 22 (Endo,Anti)-(±)-7-[2-Hydroxy-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propoxy]-5-(phenylmethoxy)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one

Sodium hydride (80% dispersion in oil; 3 g) was added to a stirred solution of Intermediate 20 (32 g) in THF (30 ml) at 0°, under N₂. A solution of Intermediate 21 (26.7 g) in THF (30 ml) was added rapidly and after 3 h at room temperature the reaction mixture was poured into saturated ammonium chloride solution. The aqueous mixture was extracted with ER (3×150 ml), the combined extracts washed with water (2×100 ml), dried and then evaporated to give a viscous oil (63 g). The crude product in acetone (400 ml) and 2N HCl (90 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 16 h, neutralised with 8% NaHCO₃ and then extracted with ether (3×150 ml). Drying and evaporation gave a residue which was purified by chromatography using 9:1 ER-PE as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (20.25 g). I.r. (Neat) 3450, 1750 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 23 [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-( )-7-[5-Hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid

The procedure for Intermediate 13a was repeated using Intermediate 12a (0.46 g). The ER extracts, prior to esterification were extracted with 8% NaHCO₃ (2×15 ml) and the aqueous extracts treated with a saturated ammonium chloride solution (30 ml). The mixture was extracted with ER (3×50 ml) and the combined extracts washed with brine (15 ml), dried and evaporated to give the title compound as a gum (0.4 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3480, 1740, 1709 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 24 [1R-(Endo,Anti)]-(-)-8-(Oxiranylmethoxy)-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

To a stirred solution of Intermediate 15b (3.0 g) in 12:1 dioxan-water (200 ml) was added iodine (2.64 g) and silver I oxide (2.4 g). After stirring for 2 h at room temperature, in the dark, further quantities of iodine (1.32 g) and silver I oxide (1.2 g) were added. After a further 2 h the mixture was filtered, the dioxan removed in vacuo and the aqueous residue extracted with ER (3×50 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed successively with brine (3×30 ml), 20% sodium sulphite solution (3×30 ml) and brine (20 ml). The dried extracts were evaporated to yield a solid (4.15 g) a portion of which (2.0 g) in acetonitrile (25 ml) at 0° was treated with 0.2N NaOH (25 ml). After 15 min stirring at room temperature brine (75 ml) was added and the mixture extracted with ER (4×60 ml). The dried extracts were evaporated to yield the title compound as an oil (1.24 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1732 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰.5 -41.3° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 25 [1S-1α,2β,3α,5α)]-(+)-3-Hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-(phenylmethoxy)cyclopentanepropanal

To a cold (0°) solution of potassium tert-butoxide (2.91 g) in THF (40 ml), under N₂, was added (methoxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride (8.83 g). After 5 min a solution of Intermediate 12k (2.5 g) in THF (25 ml) was added and the mixture stirred at 0° for 2 h. A saturated solution of ammonium chloride (50 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ether (4×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with brine (2×30 ml), dried and evaporated to yield an oil (8.9 g). The crude product was stirred in 1:1 0.25N sulphuric acid-acetone (80 ml) for 24 h at ambient temperature. The organic solvent was then removed in vacuo and the aqueous residue extracted with EA (4×70 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with saturated brine (2×30 ml), dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography using ER as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (1.9 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3600-3200, 1718 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²¹ +33° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 26 [1R-(Endo,anti)]-(-)-8-(2-Oxo-3-phenoxypropoxy)-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

A solution of pyridine-sulphur trioxide complex (2.58 g) in dry dimethylsulphoxide (6 ml) was added to a solution of Intermediate 9b (1.41 g) and triethylamine (3.1 ml) in dry CH₂ Cl₂ (6 ml) under N₂ and the mixture stirred for 3 h. Saturated ammonium chloride solution (5 ml) and water (5 ml) were added and the mixture extracted with EA (3×30 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with water and brine, dried, and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography using 3:1 CHCl₃ -EA as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (1.21 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 1733 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²¹ -20° (CHCl₃)

INTERMEDIATE 27 [1R-(Endo,anti)]-(-)-8-(2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-3-phenoxypropoxy)-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one

A solution of 2.9M methyl magnesium chloride in THF (1.0 ml) was added to a solution of Intermediate 26 (1.1 g) in THF (9 ml), under N₂, at 0° and the mixture stirred for 2 h. Further aliquots of methyl magnesium chloride solution (0.5 ml) were added after 1 h and 1.5 h. After a further 1 h saturated ammonium chloride solution (2 ml) and water (8 ml) were added and the mixture extracted with EA (6×15 ml). The dried organic phases were evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography using 1:1 PE-EA as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.96 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3560, 1735 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ¹⁸.9 -28° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 28 [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-1-Methylethyl 7-[5-hydroxy- 2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 23 (0.5 g) in DMSO (5 ml) was treated with diisopropylamine (0.5 ml) and 2-bromopropane (0.75 ml) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 5 days. The mixture was poured into saturated ammonium chloride solution (100 ml) and then extracted with EA (2×75 ml). The dried organic phases were evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography using 5:3 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.42 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3530, 1720 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²¹.1 +17.3° (CH₃ OH)

INTERMEDIATE 29 [1S(1α,2β,3α,5α)]-( )-Methyl 6-hydroxy-7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptynoate

n-Butyl lithium (1.6M in hexane, 17.4 ml) was added to a solution of diisopropylamine (3.9 ml) and hexamethylphosphoramide (5.0 ml) in ER (40 ml) at 0° under nitrogen. The solution was cooled to -78° and a solution of 4-pentynoic acid (1.37 g) in ER (10 ml) and THF (15 ml) added. The mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature, and after 1 h, a solution of Intermediate 12b (0.9 g) in ER (25 ml) was added. After 18 h, a solution of oxalic acid dihydrate (4.0 g) in water (70 ml) was added and the mixture extracted with EA (3×100 ml). The dried organic extracts were esterified with ethereal diazomethane and then evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography using 9:1 increasing to 4:1 ER-EA as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.83 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3500, 1728 cm⁻¹ .

INTERMEDIATE 30 [1R-(1α,2β,3α,5α)]-( )-Methyl 6-acetyloxy-[5-acetyloxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptynoate

Triethylamine (2.3 ml), acetic anhydride (1.9 ml) and 4-dimethyl aminopyridine (20 mg) were added to a stirred solution of Intermediate 29 (0.8 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (16 ml). After 2 h, chromatography using 4:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent gave the title compound as an oil (0.87 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 1728 cm⁻¹.

INTERMEDIATE 31 [1R-(1α,2β,3α,5α)]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-acetyloxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-5-heptadienoate

Methyl lithium (1.5M in ER, 13.3 ml) was added to a stirred suspension of cuprous iodide (1.9 g) in ER (40 ml) at -10° under nitrogen. When the addition was complete, a clear solution was obtained which was then cooled to -78° and a solution of the Intermediate 30 (0.85 g) in ER (25 ml) at -78° was added. After 1.5 h, saturated ammonium chloride solution (60 ml) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The organic phase was washed with saturated brine (60 ml) and the aqueous phase extracted with ER (80 ml). The dried organic extracts were evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography using 3:2 increasing to 4:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.93 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 1960, 1728 cm⁻¹.

INTERMEDIATE 32 [1S-(1α ,2β,3α,5α)]-( )-Methyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoate

Potassium carbonate (1.0 g) was added to a stirred solution of Intermediate 31 (0.56 g) in methanol (15 ml). After 16 h, the mixture was partitioned between ER (50 ml) and 1N hydrochloric acid (30 ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with ER (50 ml) and the organic phases washed with 8% sodium bicarbonate solution (30 ml) and saturated brine (30 ml). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with EA (70 ml) and the dried organic layers were esterified with ethereal diazomethane. Evaporation gave the title compound as an oil (0.52 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3520, 1958, 1725 cm⁻¹.

INTERMEDIATE 33 Methyl 4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]benzoate

A solution of methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (10 g) in EA (60 ml) containing saturated ethereal HCl (3.5 ml) was treated with dihydropyran (12 ml) and the solution was allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 h. A further quantity of dihydropyran (12 ml) and ethereal HCl (3.5 ml) was added and the solution was left for 17 h. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in ER (100 ml) and washed with 2N NaOH solution (2×50 ml), brine (50 ml) and then dried. Evaporation gave a residue which on purification by chromatography using 3:97 ER-toluene as eluant gave the title compound as a white solid (10.2 g), m.p. 58°-62°.

INTERMEDIATE 34 4-[(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]benzoic acid

A suspension of Intermediate 33 (10.0 g) in MeOH (200 ml) and 5N NaOH solution (30 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The solution was evaporated to about 50 ml and diluted with water (100 ml). The mixture was filtered through hyflo and the filtrate was washed with ER (2×30 ml) and acidified by the dropwise addition of 5N hydrochloric acid. The resulting precipitate was filtered off to give the title compound as a white solid (8.25 g), m.p. 138°-399°.

INTERMEDIATE 35 N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]benzamide

A solution of Intermediate 34 (8.1 g) in dry THF (200 ml) at 0° was treated with Et₃ N (6.0 ml) and then pivaloyl chloride (5.4 ml) and the mixture was stirred at 0° for 30 min. A solution of 4-aminophenol (3.0 g) in DMF (30 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred for 17 h at room temperature and for 1.5 h at 80°. The mixture was filtered, the filtrate was evaporated and the residue dissolved in ER (200 ml). Pouring into water (200 ml) gave a precipitate which was filtered off and crystallised from EA-MeOH to give the title compound as a white solid (5.6 g), m.p. 173°-174°.

INTERMEDIATE 36 (a) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-4-Acetylphenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2 -yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 23 (0.45 g) in dry CH₃ CN (15 ml) at -10° was treated with Et₃ N (0.2 ml) followed by isobutyl chloroformate (0.14 ml). After stirring for 45 min. p-hydroxyacetophenone (0.23 g) was added. Stirring was continued for 2 h at -10° to 0° and then the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ER (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with 10% copper sulphate solution (75 ml), water (10 ml) and then dried. Evaporation gave a residue which on purification by chromatography using 2:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent gave the title compound as a gum (0.43 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3550, 1753, 1678 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²² +19.6° (MeOH)

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner from Intermediate 23 and the appropriate phenol:

(b) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-4-(Acetylamino)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3425, 1750, 1690 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²² +7.9° (MeOH)

(c) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-4-[(Aminocarbonyl)amino]phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3510, 3410, 1748, 1682 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²² +15.4° (MeOH)

(d) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

Pivaloyl chloride (0.18 g) was added to a solution of Intermediate 23 (0.7 g) and Et₃ N (0.38 g) in dry DMF (5 ml) at 0°. After 10 min a solution of 4-(benzylamino)phenol (0.53 g) in DMF (2 ml) was added and stirring continued for 6 h at 0° and 18 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with EA (150 ml) and washed consecutively with water (2×50 ml), 10% copper sulphate solution (2×50 ml), water (50 ml) and brine (50 ml). The dried organic extract was evaporated to give a residue which was purified by chromatography on Et₃ N-deactivated silica using 1:1 cyclohexane-EA as eluent. The title compound was obtained as a gum (0.55 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3425, 1750, 1673 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ +20° (CHCl₃)

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 36d from Intermediate 23 and the appropriate phenol:

(e) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-4-[4-(Acetylamino)benzoylamino]phenyl 7-5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3520, 3425, 1745, 1690, 1670 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ +20.6° (CHCl₃)

(f) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3400, 1755, 1672 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ +20° (CHCl₃)

(g) [1S-[1α(Z,R*),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-4-[2-(Acetylamino)-3-amino-3-oxopropyl]phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3500, 3400, 1745, 1690, 1660 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ +24° (CHCl₃)

(h) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-(+)-3-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3700-3100, 1755, 1677 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ +27° (CHCl₃)

(i) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-4-(N,N-Dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3530, 1750, 1740, 1626 cm⁻¹

(j) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]] Methyl 4-[[7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-1-oxo-5-heptenyl]oxy]benzoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 3520, 1750, 1715 cm⁻¹

(k) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α)-(+)-4-[[[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]phenyl]carbonyl]amino]phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediates 23 and 35

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3420, 1748, 1668 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ +21° (CHCl₃)

(l) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-2-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3440, 1728, 1688, 1516 cm⁻¹

(m) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-2-Naphthalenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3530, 1750 cm⁻¹

(n) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[2-methyl-3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 38a

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3430, 1750, 1675 cm⁻¹

(o) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-4-Methoxyphenyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 38b

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 3530, 1748 cm⁻¹

(p) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-4-(Methylthio)phenyl 7-[2-[3-(3-chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 38c

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3520, 1750 cm⁻¹

(q) [1S-[1α(Z),3β,5α]]-4-(Methylsulp2,honyl)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 38d

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 1758 cm⁻¹

(r) [1S-[1α,2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoate, from Intermediate 38e

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3405, 3600-3200, 1960, 1758, 1675 cm⁻¹

(s) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate, from Intermediate 38f

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3430, 1750, 1678 cm⁻¹

(t) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 9-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-7-nonenoate, from Intermediate 38g

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3420, 1748, 1672 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 37 (a) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-4-Acetylphenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A stirred solution of Intermediate 36a (0.39 g) in dry CH₂ Cl₂ (4 ml) and dry DMSO (0.4 ml) was treated with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.5 g) followed by pyridinium trifluoroacetate (0.17 g). After 5 h at room temperature the mixture was poured into water (50 ml) and extracted with ER (3×75 ml). Evaporation of the dried extracts gave a residue which was purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica. The title compound was obtained as a colourless gum (0.27 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1760, 1743, 1680 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²².2 -13.7° (MeOH)

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(+)-4-(Acetylamino)phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36b

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3420, 1740, 1685 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ¹⁸.6 +16.7° (MeOH)

(c) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-4-[(Aminocarbonyl)amino]phenyl 7-[5oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl-5-heptenoate

A cold (0°), stirred suspension of Intermediate 36c (0.15 g) and anhydrous sodium acetate (0.05 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (2 ml) was treated with pyridinium chlorochromate (0.13 g). The mixture was stirred at 0° for 30 min. and at room temperature for 1 h and then purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using EA as eluent. The title compound was obtained as a gum (0.09 g). T.l.c. EA Rf 0.3.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(d) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36d

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3430, 1740, 1675 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -11° (CHCl₃)

(e) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-4-[4-(Acetylamino)benzoylamino]phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36e

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3420, 1740, 1690, 1670 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -5° (CHCl₃)

(f) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36f

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3525, 3405, 1742, 1675, 1599 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -16.3° (CHCl₃)

(g) [1R-[1α(Z,S*),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-4-[2-(Acetylamino)-3-amino-3-oxopropyl]phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cylopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36g

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3505, 3400, 1740, 1690, 1665 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -3.4° (CHCl₃)

(h) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-3-Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36h

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3430, 1742, 1680, 1526 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -7° (CHCl₃)

(i) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-4-(N,N-Dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36i

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740, 1622 cm⁻¹

(j) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]Methyl 4-[[7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-1-oxo-5-heptenyl]oxy]benzoate, from Intermediate 36j

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1745, 1720 cm⁻¹

(k) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-(-)-4-[[[4-[(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]phenyl]carbonyl]amino]phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36k

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3435, 1745, 1720, 1672 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰ -8.9° (CHCl₃)

(37l) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*)3α]]-2-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36l

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3440, 1760, 1740, 1678 cm⁻¹

(37m) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-2-Naphthalenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36m

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1745 cm⁻¹

(37n) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[2-[2-methyl-3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36n

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3430, 1740, 1672 cm⁻¹

(37o) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-Methoxyphenyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36o

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1744 cm⁻¹

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 37a:

(p) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-(Methylthio)phenyl 7-[2-[3-(3-chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36p

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1742 cm⁻¹

(q) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-(Methylsulphonyl)phenyl 7-[2-[3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-oxo-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36q

I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740 cm⁻¹

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 37c:

(r) [1R-[1α,2β(2R*),3α]]-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoate, from Intermediate 36r

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3410, 1962, 1742, 1676 cm⁻¹

(s) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*),3α]]-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate, from Intermediate 36s

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3430, 1742, 1675 cm⁻¹

(t) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(2R*), 3α]]-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 9-[5-oxo-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-7-nonenoate, from Intermediate 36t

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3430, 1742, 1678 cm⁻¹.

Intermediate 38 (a) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-7-[5-Hydroxy-2-[2-methyl-3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid

A solution of Intermediate 13l (0.98 g) in MeOH (15 ml) was treated with 5N NaOH solution (6 ml). After 30 min the mixture was poured into water (100 ml) and extracted with ER (150 ml). The aqueous solution was acidified with a saturated NH₄ Cl solution (150 ml) and then extracted with EA (4×50 ml). The combined extracts were dried and evaporated to give the title compound as a gum (0.88 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3510, 3400-2500, 1730, 1708 cm⁻¹

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [1S[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-7-[2-[3-(4-Fluorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid, from Intermediate 13c

I.r. (CHBrHD 3) 3510, 3400-2400, 1730, 1708 cm⁻¹

(c) [1S[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-7-[2-[3-(3-Chlorophenoxy)-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid, from Intermediate 13e

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 3510, 3700-2400, 1730, 1705 cm⁻¹

(d) [1S-[1α(Z),2β,3α,5α]]-7-[5-Hydroxy-2-[3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid, from Intermediate 13i

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3520, 3600-2500, 1730, 1708 cm⁻¹

(e) [1S-[1α,2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-7-[5-Hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoic acid, from Intermediate 41

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3500, 1920, 1730 cm⁻¹

(f) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-7-[5-Hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptenoic acid

(3-Carboxypropyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (1.11 g) and potassium tert-butoxide (0.58 g) in dry THF (10 ml) were stirred at ambient temperature for 45 min. A solution of the Intermediate 45 (0.58 g) in dry THF (10 ml) was added and stirring at ambient temperature was continued for 1 h. A further identical quantity of preformed ylide was added to the reaction mixture and stirring was continued for 1.5 h. Water (20 ml) was added and the mixture was washed with ER (3×50 ml). The organic washings were back extracted with 8% NaHCO₃ solution (2×20 ml). The combined aqueous extracts were treated with saturated NH₄ Cl (30 ml) and the product was extracted with ER (3×50 ml). The extracts were washed with brine (15 ml), dried and concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound as an oil (0.55 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3500, 3600-2300, 1728, 1710 cm⁻¹

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner to Intermediate 38a:

(g) [1S-[1α(Z),2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-7-[5-Hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-7-nonenoic acid, from Intermediate 13q

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3510, 3000-2500, 1730, 1710 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 39 [1S-[1α,2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-Methyl 6-hydroxy-7-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptynoate

n-Butyl lithium (1.6M in hexane, 61.5 ml) was added to a solution of diisopropylamine (13.8 ml) and hexamethylphosphoramide (17.5 ml) in ER (140 ml) at 0° under nitrogen. The solution was cooled to -70° and a solution of 4-pentynoic acid (4.87 g) in THF (50 ml) added. The mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature, and after 1 h, a solution of Intermediate 12a (3.5 g) in ER (60 ml) was added. After 18 h, a solution of oxalic acid dihydrate (14 g) in water (200 ml) was added and the organic phase separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EA (200 ml) and the combined organic phases dried and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in DMF (30 ml) and treated with methyl iodide (12 ml) and potassium fluoride (8 g). After 3 h the solution was diluted with EA (200 ml) and washed with water (3× 200 ml) and brine (200 ml). The aqueous washings were back-extracted with EA (200 ml) and the combined organic phases dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography using 4:1 increasing 2:1 ER-EA as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (2.9 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3500, 1728 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 40 [1R-[1α,2β(2R*),3α,5α]]-Methyl 6-acetyloxy-7-[5-acetyloxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-heptynoate

Triethylamine (8.2 ml), acetic anhydride (6.7 ml) and 4-dimethylamino pyridine (70 mg) were added in a stirred solution of Intermediate 39 (2.8 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (60 ml). After 2 h the solvent was removed and chromatography of the residue using 4:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) an eluent gave the title compound as an oil (3.1 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 1728 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 41 [1R-[1α,2β(2R*),3α,5β]]-Methyl 7-[5-acetyloxy-2-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentyl]-4-5-heptadienoate

Methyl lithium (1.6M in ER, 44.5 ml) was added to a stirred suspension of cuprous iodide (6.8 g) in ER (120 ml) at -10° under nitrogen. When the addition was complete, a clear solution was obtained which was then cooled to -78° and a solution of the Intermediate 40 (0.85 g) in ER (50 ml) at -78° was added. After 1.5 h, saturated NH₄ Cl solution (200 ml) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The organic phases was washed with saturated brine (200 ml) and the aqueous phase extracted with ER (200 ml). The dried organic extracts were evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography using 3:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) an eluent to give the title compound as an oil (1.2 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 1960, 1728 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 42 [1R-[1α,5α,6α,8R*(R*)] ]-8-(2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-6-(phenylmethoxy)-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-ol

DIBAL (1M in hexane, 10 ml) was added to a cold (-78°), stirred solution of Intermediate 9a (2.7 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (50 ml). After 2 h a further quantity of DIBAL (6.7 ml) was added and stirring continued for 2.5 h. MeOH (20 ml) was added dropwise and after 15 min at room temperature ether (60 ml) was added. The resultant mixture was filtered through hyflo and the filtrate evaporated to give the title compound as a gum (2.6 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 2720, 1718 cm⁻¹

INTERMEDIATE 43 [1S-[1α,2β(S*),3α,5α]]-3-Hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-(phenylmethoxy)cyclopentanepropanal

To a cold (0°) solution of potassium tert-butoxide (2.9 g) in THF (40 ml), under N₂, was added (methoxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride (8.84 g). After 5 min a solution of Intermediate 42 (2.6 g) in THF (25 ml) was added and the mixture stirred at 0° for 30 min. A saturated solution of NH₄ Cl (50 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ER (3×60 ml). The combined extracts were dried and evaporated to yield an oil (9.1 g).

The crude product was stirred in 1:1 0.25N sulphuric acid-acetone (80 ml) for 48 h at ambient temperature. The organic solvent was then removed in vacuo and the aqueous residue extracted with EA (3×50 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with saturated brine (30 ml), dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography using ER as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (1.5 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3460, 2720, 1718 cm⁻¹.

INTERMEDIATE 44 [1S-[1α,2β(2S*),3α,5α]]-2-[3-Phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2Hpyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-5-(phenylmethoxy)-3-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopentanepropanal

Dihydropyran (0.95 ml) and pyridinium toluene-p-sulphonate (0.1 g) were added to a stirred solution of Intermediate 43 (1.44 g) in CH₂ Cl₂ (40 ml) at 0°. After stirring for 20 h at room temperature the mixture was washed with water (2×10 ml), 8% NaHCO₃ (2×10 ml) and brine (2×10 ml). The solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography using 1:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent to yield the title compound as a gum (1.9 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 2720, 1720 cm⁻¹.

INTERMEDIATE 45 [4aR-[4aα,5α(2R*),6β,7aα]]-Octahydro-5-[3-phenoxy-2-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]propoxy]-6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]cyclopenta[b]pyran-2-ol

A solution of Intermediate 44 (0.94 g) in EA (50 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium on charcoal (0.97 g) at N.T.P. for 22 h. The catalyst and solvent were removed and the residual oil (0.75 g) purified by chromatography using 3:1 ER-PE (40°-60°) as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.49 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3570 cm⁻¹

EXAMPLE 1 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,(R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 14a (0.27 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (5 ml) was heated at 45° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 3:2 ER-PE (40°-60°) then ER as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.11 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 3460, 1738 cm⁻¹ [α]_(D) ²⁰.5 -22° (CH₃ OH)

Analysis Found: C, 65.13; H, 7.72. C₂₂ H₃₀ O₇ requires C, 65.01; H, 7.44%.

EXAMPLE 2 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 14b (0.41 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (5 ml) was heated at 45° for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using ER as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.13 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3460, 1738 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ¹⁸.6 -19° (CH₃ OH)

Analysis Found: C, 64.91; H, 7.62. C₂₂ H₃₀ O₇ requires C, 65.01; H, 7.44%.

EXAMPLE 3 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 14c (0.3 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (3 ml) was heated at 45° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 100:1 ER-methanol as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.145 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3460, 1735 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²¹ -20.1° (CH₃ OH)

Analysis Found: C, 61.83; H, 6.89. C₂₂ H₂₉ FO₇ requires C, 62.25; H, 6.89%

EXAMPLE 4 (a) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 14d (0.243 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (1.5 ml) was heated at 47° for 4.5 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 49:1 ER-methanol as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.124 g).

Analysis Found: C, 59.89; H, 6.62. C₂₂ H₂₉ ClO₇ requires C, 59.93; H, 6.63%.

[α]_(D) ²⁰.3 -12.7° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3460, 1735 cm⁻¹.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(3-chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate (0.263 g) from Intermediate 14e (0.46 g) purified using 50:1 ER-methanol as eluent.

Analysis Found: C, 59.93; H, 6.66. C₂₂ H₂₉ ClO₇ requires C, 59.93; H, 6.63%.

[α]_(D) ²⁰.3 -11.3° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 3480, 1740 cm⁻¹.

(c) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[2-[3-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate (0.126 g) from Intermediate 14f (0.267 g)

Analysis Found: C, 59.86; H, 6.64. C₂₂ H₂₉ ClO₇ requires C, 59.93; H, 6.63%.

[α]_(D) ²¹.3 -12.3° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3460, 1735 cm⁻¹.

(d) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxy phenoxy)propoxy]-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate (0.106 g) from Intermediate 14g (0.2 g) purified using ER as eluent.

Analysis Found: C, 63.06; H, 7.53. C₂₃ H₃₂ O₈ requires C, 63.29; H, 7.3%.

[α]_(D) ²⁰.7 -19.4° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3400, 1740 cm⁻¹.

(e) [1R-[1α(Z),2η,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-[2-hydroxy-3-(3-methylphenoxy)propoxy]-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate (0.135 g) from Intermediate 14h (0.26 g) purified using ER as eluent.

Analysis Found: C, 65.77; H, 7.51. C₂₃ H₃₂ O₇ requires C, 65.69; H, 7.69%.

[α]_(D) ²¹.5 -14.8° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3570, 3450, 1735 cm⁻¹.

(f) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-methylthio)phenoxy)propoxy]-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate (0.065 g) from Intermediate 14i (0.16 g) purified using ER as eluent.

Analysis Found: C, 60.74; H, 7.05. C₂₃ H₃₂ O₇ S requires C, 61.04; H, 7.13%.

[α]_(D) ¹⁸.7 -17.1° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 3480, 1740 cm⁻¹.

(g) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-[2-hydroxy-3-[4-(methylsulphinyl)phenoxy]propoxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate (0.105 g) from Intermediate 14k (0.215 g) purified using 10:1 ER-methanol as eluent.

Analysis Found: C, 58.57; H, 6.88. C₃₃ H₃₂ O₈ S require C, 58.96; H, 6.88%.

[α]_(D) ²⁰.5 -13.2° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 1740 cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 5 [1α(Z),2β,3α]-(±)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-[2-hydroxy-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propoxy]-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 14j (0.45 g) in acetone (10 ml) and 0.1N oxalic acid (7 ml) was heated at 50° for 7 h. The reaction mixture was poured into brine (50 ml), extracted with CH₂ Cl₂ (3×50 ml) and dried. Evaporation of the solvent gave a residue which was purified by chromatography using ER as eluent. The title compound was obtained as an oil (0.23 g). I.r. (Neat) 3440, 1740 cm⁻¹.

Analysis Found: C, 57.8; H, 6.3. C₂₃ H₂₉ F₃ O₇ requires C, 58.2; H, 6.1%.

EXAMPLE 6 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,(R*),3α]]-(-)-7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid

A solution of Intermediate 14 l (0.21 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (2 ml) was heated at 45° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 25:25:2 ER-PE-methanol as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.04 g).

T.l.c. 19:1 ER-Methanol Rf 0.45 I.r. (CHBr₃) 1740, 1700 cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 7 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 14 m (0.203 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (1 ml) was heated at 45° for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 3:1 EA-PE as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.109 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3450, 1738 cm⁻¹.

Analysis Found: C, 64.61; H, 7.52. C₂₂ H₃₀ O₇ requires C, 65.01; H, 7.44%.

EXAMPLE 8 (a) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate Isomer 1

A solution of Intermediate 14n (0.443 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (2 ml) was heated at 45° for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 99:1 ER-methanol as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.121 g), ISOMER 1.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3560, 3500, 1735 cm⁻¹.

T.l.c. 99:1 ER-Methanol Rf 0.25. [α]_(D) ²⁰.4 -8.3° (CH₃ OH)

Further elution gave:

(b) [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, Isomer 2, as an oil (0.125 g)

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3500, 1740 cm⁻¹.

Analysis Found: C, 65.37; H, 7.76. C₂₃ H₃₂ O₇ requires C, 65.70; H, 7.67%.

[α]_(D) ²⁰.4 -0.51° (CH₃ OH) T.l.c. 99:1 ER-Methanol Rf 0.21.

EXAMPLE 9 [1R-(1α,2β,3α)]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]heptanoate

A solution of Intermediate 140 (0.265 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (1 ml) was heated at 45° for 4.5 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 49:1 ER-methanol as eluent to give th title compound as an oil (0.124 g).

Analysis Found: C, 64.44; H, 7.64. C₂₂ H₃₂ O₇ requires C, 64.69; H, 7.90%.

[α]_(D) ²¹ -11.6° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3420, 1735 cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 10 (a) [1R-[1α(E),2β(R*),3α]]-()-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 14p (0.066 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (3.5 ml) was heated at 40° for 5 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using ER as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.037 g). I.r. (CHBr₃) 3600, 3450, 1745 cm⁻¹.

Analysis Found: C, 64.83; H, 7.69. C₂₂ H₃₀ O₇ requires C, 65.01; H, 7.69%.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(b) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 6-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4-hexenoate (0.151 g) from Intermediate 14q (0.305 g) purified using 49:1 ER-methanol as eluent.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3585, 3460, 1740 cm⁻¹. [α]_(D) ²² -23.0° (CH₃ OH)

(c) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 8-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-6-octenoate (0.177 g) from Intermediate 14r (0.347 g).

[α]_(D) ²².5 -22.0° (CH₃ OH)

(d) [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 9-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-7-nonenoate (0.183 g) from Intermediate 14s (0.345 g).

[α]_(D) ²³.6 -25.2° (CH₃ OH). I.r

EXAMPLE 11 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-1-Methylethyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 14t (0.29 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (3 ml) was heated at 40° for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 75:1 ER-methanol as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.155 g).

Analysis Found C, 66.37; H, 7.89. C₂₄ H₃₄ O₇ requires C, 66.34; H, 7.89%.

[α]_(D) ¹⁹.7 -22.1° (CH₃ OH) I.r. (CHBr₃) 3590, 3470, 1742, 1720 cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 12 [1R-(1α,2β,3α)]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxy propoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoate

A solution of Intermediate 14u (0.39 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (10 ml) was heated at 45° for 2 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 3:1 increasing to 3:2 ER-EA as eluent to give the title compound as an oil (0.223 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3460, 1960, 1735 cm⁻¹.

Analysis Found: C, 65.21; H, 7.18. C₂₂ H₂₈ O₇ requires C, 65.33; H, 6.98%.

In the following examples, where the experimental details are not given, the compounds were prepared in a similar manner to the compound of Example 13.

EXAMPLE 13 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-Acetylphenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37a (0.24 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (2.5 ml) was heated at 40° for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH3.8) silica using 75:1 ER-MeOH as eluent to give the title compound as a white solid (0.14 g), m.p. 55°-56.5°. Crystallisation from methyl acetate-PE gave a white solid, m.p. 64°-65°, [α]_(D) ²².4 -18.1° (MeOH)

Analysis Found: C, 68.02; H, 6.63. C₂₉ H₃₄ O₈ requires C, 68.22; H, 6.71%.

EXAMPLE 14 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Acetylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37b (0.3 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (3 ml) was heated at 40°-43° for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using EA as eluent to give the title compound as a white solid (0.12 g), m.p. 60°-63°. Crystallisation from t-butylmethylether gave a white solid, m.p. 74.5°-75°. [α]_(D) ²⁰.9 -19.4° (MeOH)

Analysis Found: C, 65.86; H, 6.71; N, 2.66. C₂₉ H₃₅ NO₈ requires C, 66.27; H, 6.71; N, 2.57%.

EXAMPLE 15 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-4-[(Aminocarbonyl)amino]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, (0.04 g) from Intermediate 37c (0.09 g) purified using 20:1 EA-MeOH as eluent.

T.l.c. 20:1 EA-MeOH Rf 0.25. I.r. (CHBr₃) 3570, 3500, 3400, 1740, 1680 cm⁻¹

EXAMPLE 16 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37d (0.24 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (3 ml) was heated at 40°-42° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 7:3 EA-cyclohexane as eluent to give after trituration with ER the title compound as a white powder (0.07 g), m.p. 125°-127°. [α]_(D) ²⁰ -29.3° (CHCl₃)

Analysis Found: C, 69.4; H, 6.4; N, 2.3. C₃₄ H₃₇ NO₈ C, 69.5; H, 6.4; N, 2.4%.

EXAMPLE 17 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-[4-(Acetylamino)benzoylamino]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37e (0.24 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (3 ml) was heated at 40°-42° for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give a solid residue which was purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH3.8) silica using EA as eluent to give after trituration with ER the title compound as a white powder (0.06 g), m.p. 150°-154°, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -10° (MeOH)

Analysis Found: C, 66.7; H, 6.3; N, 4.5. C₃₆ H₄₀ N₂ O₉ requires C, 67.1; H, 6.3; N, 4.4%.

EXAMPLE 18 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37f (0.44 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (5 ml) was heated at 40° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH3.8) silica using 95:5 EA-EtOH as eluent. Trituration with ER followed by crystallisation from EA-PE gave the title compound as a white solid (0.14 g), m.p. 104°-105°, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -13.2° (EtOH)

Analysis Found: C, 65.65; H, 6.7; N, 2.7. C₂₈ H₃₃ NO₈ requires C, 65.7; H, 6.5; N, 2.7%.

EXAMPLE 19 [1R-[1α(Z,S*),2β(R*),3α]]-(+)-4-[2-(Acetylamino)-3-amino-3-oxopropyl]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37 g (0.37 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (6 ml) was heated at 40° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and a portion of the residue (0.19 g) was purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH3.8) silica gel using 9:1 CH₂ Cl₂ -EtOH as eluent. Trituration with ER followed by crystallisation from EA-PE gave the title compound as a white solid (0.04 g), m.p. 105°

[α]_(D) ²⁰ +3.5° (EtOH), I.r. (Nujol) 1740, 1720, 1660, 1645 cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 20 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-3-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37 h (0.35 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (5 ml) was heated at 40°-42° for 2.5 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 3:1 EA-cyclohexane as eluent to give after trituration with ER the title compound as a white powder (0.16 g), m.p. 89°-91°, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -25.7° (CHCl₃)

Analysis Found: C, 69.3; H, 6.4; N, 2.2. C₃₄ H₃₇ NO₈ C, 69.5; H, 6.4; N, 2.4%.

EXAMPLE 21 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(N,N-Dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, (0.08 g) from Intermediate 37i (0.24 g) purified using EA as eluent.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3420, 1745, 1624 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -29° (CHCl₃)

Analysis Found: C, 66.53; H, 7.04; N, 2.53. C₃₀ H₃₇ NO₈ requires C, 66.77; H, 6.91; N, 2.60%.

EXAMPLE 22 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-) Methyl 4-[[7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-1-oxo-5-heptenyl]oxy]benzoate

A solution of Intermediate 37j (0.19 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (10 ml) was heated at 40° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using ER as eluent to give the title compound as a white solid (0.1 g), m.p. 45°-47°, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -33° (CHCl₃)

Analysis Found: C, 66.25; H, 6.63. C₂₉ H₃₄ O₉ requires C, 66.15; H, 6.51%

EXAMPLE 23 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-[4-(Hydroxy)benzoylamino]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37k (0.57 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (10 ml) was heated at 40° for 3.5 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH3.8) silica using 4:1 EA-PE as eluent to give after trituration with ER a white powder (0.22 g). Crystallisation from EA-PE gave the title compound as a white solid (0.18 g), m.p. 108°-110° [α]_(D) ²⁰ -13.9° (EtOH)

Analysis Found: C, 67.35; H, 6.1; N, 2.2. C₃₄ H₃₇ NO₉ requires C, 67.65; H, 6.2; N, 2.3%.

EXAMPLE 24 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-2-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, (0.029 g) from Intermediate 37 l (0.050 g) purified using 2:1 EA-cyclohexane as eluent.

T.l.c. 2:1 EA-cyclohexane Rf 0.2, I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3440, 1742, 1675 cm⁻¹

EXAMPLE 25 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-2-Naphthalenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37m (0.44 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (12 ml) was heated at 40°-42° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH3.8) silica using 3:1 ER-EA as eluent to give after trituration with ER the title compound as a white powder (0.15 g), m.p. 71°-73°. [α]_(D) ²⁰ -35° (CHCl₃)

Analysis Found: C, 71.79; H, 6.60. C₃₁ H₃₄ O₇ requires C, 71.79; H, 6.61%.

EXAMPLE 26 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, (0.06 g) from Intermediate 37n (0.11 g) purified using ER as eluent.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3420, 1742, 1672 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -7° (MeOH)

Analysis Found: C, 69.42; H, 6.85; N, 2.21. C₃₅ H₃₉ NO₈ requires C, 69.87; H, 6.53; N, 2.3%.

EXAMPLE 27 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-Methoxyphenyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, (0.06 g) from Intermediate 37o (0.09 g) purified using 97:3 ER-MeOH as eluent.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3450, 1745 cm⁻¹

Analysis Found: C, 64.75; H, 6.59. C₂₈ H₃₃ FO₈ requires C, 65.10; H, 6.44%.

EXAMPLE 28 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-(Methylthio)phenyl 7-[2-[3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, 0.1 g) from Intermediate 37p (0.16 g) purified using 98:2 ER-MeOH as eluent.

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3440, 1742 cm⁻¹, T.l.c. 98:2 ER-MeOH Rf 0.25

EXAMPLE 29 [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-(Methylsulphonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-[2-hydroxy-3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]propoxy]-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37q (0.14 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (3 ml) was heated at 40°-42° for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH3.8) silica using 75:25 increasing to 90:10 EA-ER as eluent to give the title compound as a white solid (0.09 g), m.p. 73°-76°

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3440, 1742 cm⁻¹

EXAMPLE 30 [1R-(1α,2β(R*),3α)]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoate, (0.19 g) from Intermediate 37r (0.35 g) purified using 3:2 EA-CH₃ CN as eluent.

T.l.c. 3:2 EA-CH₃ CN Rf 0.3, I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3520, 3400, 1960, 1740, 1672 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -21.0° (CHCl₃)

EXAMPLE 31 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37s (0.17 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (10 ml) was heated at 40° for 2 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 2:1 EA-cyclohexane as eluent to give the title compound as a solid (0.11 g), m.p. 85°-88°

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3430, 1745, 1675, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -27° (CHCl₃)

EXAMPLE 32 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 9-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-7-nonenoate

A solution of Intermediate 37t (0.55 g) in 20:10:3 acetic acid-water-THF (15 ml) was heated at 40° for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 7:3 EA:cyclohexane as eluent to give after trituration with ER the title compound as a white solid (0.24 g), m.p. 121°-122° [α]_(D) ²⁰ -34° (CHCl₃)

Analysis Found: C, 70.23; H, 6.66; N, 2.17. C₃₆ H₄₁ NO₈ requires C, 70.22; H, 6.71; N, 2.27%.

EXAMPLE 33 [1R-[1α,2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentaneheptanoate

A solution of the compound of Example 16 (0.1 g) in EA (35 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced 10% palladium on charcoal (0.03 g) at N.T.P. for 40 min and then the solvent and catalyst were removed. The title compound was obtained as a white solid (0.07 g), m.p. 127°-130°, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -29.3° (CHCl₃)

Analysis Found: C, 69.38; H, 6.69; N, 2.15. C₃₄ H₃₉ NO₈ requires C, 69.25; H, 6.67; N, 2.38%.

EXAMPLE 34 [1R-[1α(E),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

A solution of the compound of Example 18 (0.15 g), thiophenol (0.46 ml) and azobisisobutyronitrile (0.1 g) in CH₂ CN (3 ml) and benzene (3 ml) was stirred at reflux for 6.5 h. Purification by chromatography (x2) on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 9:1 EA-CH₃ CN as eluent gave the title compound as a gum (0.13 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3515, 3400, 1742, 1672 cm⁻¹, [α]_(D) ²⁰ -30° (CHCl₃)

Analysis Found: C, 66.12; H, 6.8; N, 2.52. C₂₈ H₃₃ NO₈ requires C, 65.74; H, 6.5; N, 2.74%.

EXAMPLE 35 [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate

Pivaloyl chloride (0.01 ml) was added to a solution of the compound of Example 6 (0.03 g) and Et₃ N (0.01 ml) in dry DMF (1 ml) at 0°. After 10 min a solution of 4-(benzoylamino)phenol (0.17 g) and Et₃ N (0.01 ml) in DMF (1 ml) was added and stirring continued for 2 h at 0° and 3.5 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with EA (30 ml) and washed consecutively with water (10 ml), 10% copper sulphate solution (15 ml), water (10 ml) and brine (15 ml). The dried organic extract was evaporated to give a residue which was purified by chromatography on acid-washed (pH 3.8) silica using 1:1 cyclohexane-EA as eluent. The title compound was obtained as a white solid (0.05 g).

I.r. (CHBr₃) 3580, 3430, 1745, 1675 cm⁻¹, T.l.c. 1:1 Cyclohexane-EA Rf 0.15

The following are examples of pharmaceutical formulations using compounds of the invention. In the examples, the term "active ingredient" is used to denote a compound of the invention, such as a compound described in the preceding examples, for example the compound of Examples 1 and 16.

    ______________________________________                                         1. Tablets                                                                     These may be prepared by direct compression                                                          mg/tablet                                                ______________________________________                                         Active Ingredient       0.015 to 0.2                                           Magnesium stearate, BP  1.5                                                    Microcrystalline cellulose, USP                                                                        150.0                                                  to compression weight                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The active ingredient is blended with about 10% of the microcrystalline cellulose then blended with the remaining microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate. The blend is then compressed using 6 mm diameter punches into tablets on a suitable machine.

The tablets may be film coated with suitable film forming materials e.g. methyl cellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose using standard techniques.

    ______________________________________                                         2. Capsules                                                                                         mg/tablet                                                 ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient      0.015 to 0.2                                            Magnesium stearate, BP 1.0                                                     *Starch 1500           100.0                                                   to fill weight                                                                 ______________________________________                                          *A form of directly compressible starch.                                 

The active ingredient is preblended with some of the Starch 1500 then this preblend is mixed with the remaining Starch 1500 and magnesium stearate. The mix is then filled into size No 2 hard gelatin capsule shells using suitable machinery.

    ______________________________________                                         3. Sterile Solution                                                                                mg/ml                                                      ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient     0.1 to 1.0                                               Ethanol BP to         100.0 ml                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The sterile solution is added to normal saline or 5% dextrose and the mixture is administered intravenously.

The solution is prepared, clarified then sterilised by filtration and filled into sterile ampoules under aseptic conditions. The solution may be packed under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen or other suitable gas. 

We claim:
 1. Compounds of the general formula (I) ##STR11## wherein n is 1 or 2;m is 2-5 and X is cis or trans --CH═CH-- or --CH₂ --CH₂ --; or m is 1-4 and X is --CH═C═CH--; R¹ is (a) a hydrogen atom; C₁₋₆ alkyl; C₇₋₁₀ phenalkyl; or (b) phenyl [optionally substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkanoyl, methylthio, methylsulphinyl, methylsulphonyl, halogen, --CO₂ R² [where R² is a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₄ alkyl or phenyl], --NHCOR² [where R² is as defined above or is a phenyl group optionally substituted by hydroxyl, CH₃ CONH-- or benzoylamino], --CONR³ R⁴ [where R³ and R⁴ may be the same or different and are each a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₄ alkyl group], --NHCONH₂, --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃, or ##STR12## or (c) 2-naphthyl; Y is ##STR13## where R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are each a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and at least one is a hydrogen atom, and Ar is a phenyl group (optionally substituted by one or two C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylsulphinyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulphonyl, halogen or trifluoromethyl groups) and the salts of compounds in which R² is a hydrogen atom.
 2. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which X is --CH═CH-- or --CH₂ --CH₂ -- and m is 3 when n is 1 and m is 2 or 4 when n is 2; or X is --CH═C═CH-- and m is 2 when n is 1 and m is 1 or 3 when n is
 2. 3. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which R¹ is a group (b) or (c).
 4. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which R¹ is phenyl substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkanoyl, methylthio, methylsulphonyl, --CO₂ R², --NHCOR², --CONR³ R⁴, --NHCONH₂ or --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃ group or R¹ is a 2-naphthyl group.
 5. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which R¹ is phenyl substituted by a methoxy, acetyl, --CO₂ CH₃, --NHCOCH₃, benzoylamino, --CONH₂, --CON(CH₃)₂ or --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃ group, or R¹ is a 2-naphthyl group.
 6. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen atoms and Ar is phenyl or phenyl substituted by fluoro or chloro.
 7. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which:X is --CH═CH-- or --CH₂ CH₂ -- and n is 1 and m is 3 or n is 2 and m is 2 or 4, or X is --CH═C═CH-- and n is 1 and m is 2 or n is 2 and m is 1 or 3; R¹ is a phenyl group substituted by a methoxy, acetyl, --CO₂ CH₃, --NHCOCH₃, benzoylamino, --CONH₂, --CON(CH₃)₂ or --CH₂ CH(CONH₂)NHCOCH₃ group or R¹ is a 2-naphthyl group; R⁵ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen atoms; and Ar is a phenyl or phenyl substituted by fluoro or chloro.
 8. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which the carbon atom carrying the group --(CH₂)_(n) X(CH₂)_(m) CO₂ R¹ is in the R-configuration.
 9. A compound as claimed in claim 1 said compound being:[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate
 10. A compound as claimed in claim 1, said compound being:[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-Acetylphenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Acetylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z,S*),2β(R*),3α]]-(+)-4-[2-(Acetylamino)-3-amino-3-oxopropyl]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-3-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(N,N-Dimethylaminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-) Methyl 4-[[7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-1-oxo-5-heptenyl]oxy]benzoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-2-Naphthalenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-Methoxyphenyl 7-[2-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-hydroxy-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-4-heptenoate; [1R-[1α,2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentaneheptanoate; or [1R-[1α(E),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Aminocarbonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate.
 11. A compound as claimed in claim 1, said compound being:[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-[4-(Acetylamino)benzoyl amino]phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-2-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; [1R-[1α(Z),2β,3α]]-4-(Methylsulphonyl)phenyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-[2-hydroxy-3-[4-(methylthio)phenoxy]propoxy]-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate; or 1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-4-(Benzoylamino)phenyl 9-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-7-nonenoate.
 12. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which R¹ is a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₃ alkyl group.
 13. Compounds as claimed in claim 1, said compounds being:[1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-(-)-Methyl 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoate, or [1R-[1α(Z),2β(R*),3α]]-b 7-[3-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropoxy)-5-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid and its physiologically acceptable salts.
 14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 1 together with one or more pharmaceutical carriers.
 15. A composition as claimed in claim 14 in the form of a tablet.
 16. A composition as claimed in claim 14 in the form of a tablet containing the compound of claim 9 as active ingredient.
 17. A composition as claimed in claim 14 in the form of a tablet containing 0.015 to 0.2 mg of the compound of claim
 9. 18. A process for the preparation of a compound as claimed in claim 1 which comprises deprotecting a corresponding compound in which the ring hydroxy group and the hydroxy group in Y are protected.
 19. A process for the preparation of a compound as claimed in claim 1 which comprises esterifying a compound in which R' is a hydrogen atom to produce an ester of formula I.
 20. A process for the preparation of a compound as claimed in claim 1 which comprises treating an acid of formula I with a base to form a salt. 